Roper St. Francis Healthcare offers more than 15 ways to improve heart health

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Roper St. Francis Healthcare (RSFH) is spreading the love to Lowcountry hearts this February with classes, screenings and events aimed at building stronger, healthier hearts.

“Our goal is to direct as many people as possible toward habits that reduce the risk of developing coronary disease,” said Michael Grayson, MD, medical director of cardiology, Roper St. Francis Healthcare. “The American Heart Association is focusing on more population-based approaches to fighting heart disease. As the Lowcountry’s community hospital system, we feel we should take the same approach.”

The American Heart Association (AHA) hopes to reduce heart disease and stroke deaths in the U.S. by 20 percent by the year 2020. However, according to the AHA’s 2013 report, heart health may only improve by 6 percent if current trends don’t accelerate.

“For example, obesity is a major factor contributing to coronary disease. South Carolina has some of the highest obesity rates. We’ve got to help people increase their activity levels and make better food choices which is why we have more planned this National Heart Month than ever before,” said Grayson.

United for Heart Health

Three RSFH entities are joining forces to offer expansive free or low-cost heart health opportunities as part of National Heart Month in February.

First, Families for a Healthy Heart kicks off Jan. 26, at Howell Hall AIMS Elementary School in Goose Creek. This free program, now in its sixth year, teaches easy and fun ways to be healthy and active.

Roper St. Francis Advantage, meanwhile, is an ongoing program that offers a range of prevention-oriented educational opportunities. Basic membership is free and Advantage Gold membership is $15 a year.

The RSFH entity rounding out the heart healthy activities menu is the Lowcountry Senior Center. The center focuses on lifelong wellness through exercise, fun and learning for adults.

Culinary School of the Arts, Trident Technical College, North Charleston

Howe Hall AIMS Elementary School, Goose Creek

Comments

Notice about comments:

Moultrie News is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. We do not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not Moultrie News.

If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Read our full terms and conditions.